The family of a man struck down by bowel cancer is fundraising to thank the dedicated doctor who treated him in his final days.

David Fry, 57, fought a short battle against metastatic adenocarcinoma, receiving a terminal diagnosis on January 6, with no treatments available to help him.

His GP, John Cormack, of Greenwood Surgery in Tyler's Ride, in South Woodham Ferrers, visited and attended him throughout his illness.

David died peacefully on February 7, at his home in Westmarch, surrounded by his family, just two months after his initial diagnosis of bowel cancer.

His children, Amy and Andrew, launched a fundraising campaign for the doctor's surgery which gave their father amazing treatment.

Amy, 23, said: "They don't get the funds they need and this is our way of saying thank you. Dr Cormack kept in touch with Dad from the moment we found out he was ill.

"He would give Dad a ring every other day when we found out he was terminal. In Dad's last weeks, he came at least every other day."

Dr Cormack has been dedicated to helping the Fry family

Dr Cormack, 69, would often visit David late in the evenings to administer pain relief and personal support.

Amy, a former account manager, added: "To have someone there that we could always call was such a relief. Dad put his trust in him, he'd known him a long time. If we ever needed him, we could call him and he'd be there."

Her brother Andrew, 30, said: "From day one Dr Cormack put it upon himself to go above and beyond and ensure our father received the very best care.

"Even now Dr Cormack is still in contact supporting the family and providing advice."

The Just Giving page has so far received more than £1,600 of its £2,000 target.

Funds raised will be donated to Dr Cormack's practice and allow him and his team to continue to provide their outstanding care.

David and Amy at her graduation

Previously Dr Cormack has personally funded his own practice in light of pressures faced by the NHS, formally changing his name by deed poll to John Cormack-the-Family-Doctor-who-works-for-the-NHS-for-free.

Dr Cormack said: "The family did a brilliant job of caring for David. The funds will really make a difference, it will be hugely helpful. It allows us to buy equipment and keep the practice ticking over, as well as boosting staff morale."